*Luke 7:1-17
Jesus heals a centurion’s servant and raises a widow’s son from the dead, demonstrating his power and compassion.
- The Centurion’s Faith:
- A Roman centurion, known for his authority, has a servant who is gravely ill and near death.
- He sends Jewish elders to request Jesus’ help, recognizing Jesus’ ability to heal.
- The centurion demonstrates remarkable faith, believing that Jesus only needs to speak the word for his servant to be healed.
- Jesus’ Response:
- Jesus is impressed by the centurion’s faith and willingness to recognize his authority.
- He agrees to go to the centurion’s house but is stopped by a second message from the centurion.
- The centurion humbly expresses his unworthiness for Jesus to enter his home, affirming his belief in Jesus’ authority over sickness.
- Miraculous Healing:
- Jesus marvels at the centurion’s faith, declaring that he has not found such faith even in Israel.
- He speaks the word, and at that very moment, the servant is healed.
- The healing serves as a testament to Jesus’ authority and the power of faith.
- The Widow’s Son Raised:
- Following this incident, Jesus travels to the town of Nain, accompanied by his disciples and a large crowd.
- At the town gate, they encounter a funeral procession for the only son of a widow, who is being carried out for burial.
- Jesus is moved with compassion for the grieving mother and commands the young man to arise.
- Witnessing the Miracle:
- The young man sits up and begins to speak, stunning the crowd with the miraculous display of Jesus’ power over death.
- Fear grips the onlookers, and they glorify God, recognizing Jesus as a prophet sent by God.
- News of these remarkable events spreads throughout the region, amplifying Jesus’ reputation as a healer and miracle worker.
Luke 7:1-17 shows us the power of faith and compassion. The Roman officer believed Jesus could heal his servant with just a word, and Jesus praised his great faith. Later, Jesus showed deep compassion by bringing a widow’s son back to life, reminding us that God sees our pain and cares for us. This passage encourages us to trust in Jesus, even when things seem impossible, and to show kindness to those who are hurting, just as He did. Faith and love can bring hope and healing to our lives and the lives of others.
Luke 7:1-17 (WEB)
7:1 After he had finished speaking in the hearing of the people, he entered into Capernaum. 2 A certain centurion’s servant, who was dear to him, was sick and at the point of death. 3 When he heard about Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and save his servant. 4 When they came to Jesus, they begged him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy for you to do this for him, 5 for he loves our nation, and he built our synagogue for us.” 6 Jesus went with them. When he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying to him, “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I am not worthy for you to come under my roof. 7 Therefore I didn’t even think myself worthy to come to you; but say the word, and my servant will be healed. 8 For I also am a man placed under authority, having under myself soldiers. I tell this one, ‘Go!’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come!’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”9 When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turned and said to the multitude who followed him, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith, no, not in Israel.” 10 Those who were sent, returning to the house, found that the servant who had been sick was well.11 Soon afterwards, he went to a city called Nain. Many of his disciples, along with a great multitude, went with him. 12 Now when he came near to the gate of the city, behold, one who was dead was carried out, the only born son of his mother, and she was a widow. Many people of the city were with her. 13 When the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, “Don’t cry.” 14 He came near and touched the coffin, and the bearers stood still. He said, “Young man, I tell you, arise!” 15 He who was dead sat up and began to speak. Then he gave him to his mother.16 Fear took hold of all, and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has arisen among us!” and, “God has visited his people!” 17 This report went out concerning him in the whole of Judea and in all the surrounding region.